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Ask Dr. Michael Salkin Your Own Question

Dr. Michael Salkin, Veterinarian

Category: Cat Veterinary

Satisfied Customers: 24467

Experience: University of California at Davis graduate veterinarian with 44 years of experience.

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We have a 15 year old cat. He is pulling out his fur. He also meows and it sound really ho

Customer Question

We have a 15 year old cat. He is pulling out his fur. He also meows and it sound really hoarse and deep like he is stressed. Losing weight. Eats and drinks and poops seem to be fine. Just at the vet for shots. Any suggestions?

Aloha! You're speaking with Dr. Michael SalkinI'm sorry that your question wasn't answered in a timely manner. Hyperthyroidism should top my differential diagnosis list in a 15 year old cat who is eating well - if not overeating - yet losing weight, vocalizing abnormally, and excessively grooming himself (agitation). Vomiting more often than we would expect in a cat and acting younger than his age would be supportive evidence of hyperthyroidism.Yes, please have his vet perform a senior/geriatric diagnostic panel of blood and urine tests including a T4 (total thyroid) test which if elevated will diagnose hyperthyroidism. It's important to note that any T4 2.0 ug/dL or higher suggests hyperthyroidism at Tigger's age even though the posted normal range is usually 1.0-4.0 ug/dL.Please respond with further questions or concerns if you wish.